By Rachael N Collymore
T&T-born US-based Raguel Gabriel, a rising star in the world of classical music and theatre, has been making waves with his extraordinary talent.
In the span of just a year, he has not only participated in prestigious competitions, such as the World Classical Music Awards, but has also emerged victorious; he was the only tenor and male to win the gold prize in his category, at this year’s Music Awards. Gabriel’s ability to seamlessly blend classical technique with a contemporary sensibility has garnered him accolades and admiration from both audiences and critics alike.
On the evening of November 5th, the Renee Weiler Concert Hall, nestled within the historic Greenwich House, echoed with Gabriel’s soul-stirring tenor.
The accomplished singer curated a mesmerising recital titled “Night and Dreams,” a performance that showcased his unparalleled vocal prowess and deep emotional connection to the music. The recital was the second production under his company, RTG Productions, which he launched in 2021 with a livestream performance of Franz Schubert’s Schwanengesang accompanied by American pianist, Dr Jeffrey Middleton (Juilliard/Yale), at the prestigious Merkin Hall at The Kaufman Music Centre in Manhattan, New York, USA.
Gabriel shared the inspiration behind, “Night and Dreams”:
“‘They call, when day awakes: Come back, holy night! Beauteous dreams, come back again!’
“It was this line from Schubert’s beautiful and haunting meditation, ‘Nacht und Traume’ (Night and Dreams) that touched my heart one late night this year and sparked the inspiration for this recital.”
The recital itself was a testament to Gabriel’s commitment to his craft. The carefully curated programme featured a diverse repertoire from Franz Schubert to Gustav Mahler’s lieder, “Ich atmet’ einen linden duft” (I breathe a linden scent), “Um Mitternacht” (At midnight), “Liebst du um schonheit” (Do you love for beauty), “Ich bin der welt abhanden gekommen” (I’m lost to the world), including classical arias from notable composers like Henri Duparc, Gabriel Faure, Ernest Chausson, Henry Purcell, Roger Quilter to Richard Strauss’s, “Morgen!” (Morning!).
Each piece was delivered with an emotional depth that left the audience enraptured.
Among the captivated audience members was American actor and acclaimed magician, Todd Robbins, who could only muster, “Outstanding… I have no words. Just wonderful.”
Robbins’ words echoed the sentiments of many, including, acclaimed illusionist and mentalist, Matias Letelier, who said that he “saw the music in Raguel’s body, his persona and felt every word that he sang,” encapsulating the indescribable beauty and emotive power of Gabriel’s performance.
“Night and Dreams” was more than a recital; it was an immersive journey through the realms of music and emotion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all fortunate enough to witness Raguel Gabriel’s artistry, firsthand.
Gabriel’s journey in the world of performing arts extends beyond his vocal accomplishments. With a rich background in theatre, he has seamlessly transitioned between the worlds of opera and drama. His biography is adorned with notable highlights; he is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting 3 Year Professional Acting Conservatory (2018); he earned second place in the Sinfonietta Bel Canto Orchestra’s Vocal Competition in Chicago (2022) and third place in the Marker and Pioneer International Music Competition in the Tenor category.
In 2023, Gabriel was invited by Adam Gerber, director of Development at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting (Alma Mater) to be the headline performer at the launch of the James Tripp Scholarship Fund.
The future is bright for Raguel Gabriel as he set his eyes on auditioning for a popular American television show in 2024, participating in more competitions and returning to the stage as an actor.
